Stamp-affixing device



June 19, 1923.

N. MILLER STAMP AFFIXING DEVICE .y 6 Sheets-Shea?I l Filed Sent. 23, 1918 June 19, 1923'.

N. MILLER STAMP AFFIXING DEVICE Filed Sent. 23, 1918 6 Sheets-Sheet 2 IN VEN TOR.

CMMYCEYW e sheets-shet is INVENTOR.

man m June 19, 1923.

N. MILLER STAMP AFFIXING DEVICE Filed Sent. 23

N MILLER STAMP AFFIXING DEVICE Filed sent. 25.

June 419, 1923.

N. MBLLER STAMP AFFIXING DEVICE June 19% w23:

Filed Sept. 23, 1918 6 Sheets-Sheet' 5 Sumar @www ES N. MILLER STAMP AFFIXING DEVICE Filed sem. 25, A1918 e sheets-sheet e Jim@ t w23.

mm2 mg u' r k 1N V EN TOR.

Patented .lune lt), F9235.

rice. 5,

ver v srarar-.arsrxnve DEVICE.

Appuauon" sied september es, 191e. serial No. 255,284'.

To @ZZ eli/Om t may concern." n

lle it linown that l, NICHOLAS Alli/linnen, a citizen of the United States, residing at Hartford, inlthe countj,7 ot Hartford and State of Connecticut, have invented certain new and useful improvements in' a Stamp- Aiiiz-:ing ADevice.

The purpose ofthis inventionis to aiiix adhesive stamps to envelopes and other suitable articles. The main objects oi mv invention arethe following:

(1) To provide an apparatus of this kind with a. novel stamp or ribbon teedingmechanism ot simple and durable construction,

and one that is simple and yreliable in operation. y y v To provide an apparatus of this vlrind with a novel moisteningdevice. (3) To equip suchy a `device with a mechanism which shall automatically insure the application of the same degree of pressure upon envelopes or articles ot different thicknesses.

(4) To provide'means tor rendering the device automatically inoperative"when it is not applied to theathiiing ot stamps upon The mechanism provided suitable articles.

to this end employs means to overcome the inertia effect of theoperative parts which would. prevent the mechanism from functioning properly when rapidly operated.

(5) To provide means to facilitate the rapid operation ot' the device by automat-icallv disposing` of an envelope or suitable article after `it is positioned relative to the device and the device actuated. rFhus,V soon as the operator has `led an envelope in the device and ha. started to operate it, one hand oit the operator is treed tor the tee-ding ot the next envelope whilethe other hand operates the device. This `.en'eatlv increases the speed ot the apparatus. The means provided include a clamping device ior automatically clamping the envelopeu an ejecting device tor ejecting the envelope;

means being provided to renderl said ejecting device inoperative if so desirech and `adjustable detlecting means to direct the ejected envelope in a desired direction.

5U (6) To provide anapparatus ot thisllnnd with a scalev to aid in the positioning ot stamps relative tothe edges oit anenvelope or suitable article. i

- In order that my invention may more clearly he understoodreference is to be had `to the accompanying drawings forming part et' this speciication and in which- Figure 1 represents a partial outside front view of the device. y

Figure 2 is a top view of Figure 1. 60

Figure 3 is a partial side view of Figure 2.

Figure 4 is a sectional t'ront'view ot the device showing theinterior structure.

Figure 5 is a partial frontview of the stamp -feeding mechanism and its connection with the moistening device.

Figure 6 is a partialside view ot lliigure 5. the sprocket members 5` and 6 being shown in section along lines YY of Figure 5.

Figure 7 is apartial sectional'frontview 70 of the sprocket lmechanism` along a line BB ot Figure 6.

Figure 7%* is an enlarged partial isometric view of the stamp feedingmechanism and the inoistening device. f

Figure 8 is a partial top view et the' sprocket mechanism with the body; ofthe sprocket 5 and 6 removed. l i

Figure 8A isa detail `isometric view of a piece 35 shown assembled in Figuresv 5, 7 80 and'8.

Figure 9 shows an operative positionfol the intermittent feeding mechanism Figure 1() shows y'another operative position of the intermittent Yfeeding mechanism.

Figure 11uis a partial tront'view showing the operative mechanism ot the moistening device and the structure of the mechanism provided forinsuring the application ot the same degree ot pressure to envelopes 'of dif- 90 ferent thicknesses.

Figure 12 is a partial sectionaltop view ofFigure 11 on line CC l i `Figure 13 is a partial side' view ot Figure 11.y i

Figure 14 is a partial sectional top yview ot Figure 13 in directon or" line DD Figure 15 is a. longitudinal sectional view of one form of the moistening device, drawn to' anienlargedscale. o

Figure `1G is a section of Figure 15 on line EE, i

` Figure 17 shows a` modifiedconstruction I ot the moistening device. y i

Figure 18 is anothermodilication-ot the inoistening device. y

Figure 19 shows a partial longitudinal sectional view ot a further development ot the moistening device.

Figure 2O is a partial longitudinal section ot another modiiication of the .moistening device.

Figure 21 is a top. View of Figure 20, partially shown in section on line FF Figure 22 is top view ot member 52.

Figure 23 is a partial sectional view on line GG or' Figure 21.

Figure 24 is a partial side view oi the device showing the manner in which the moistening device illustrated in Figures 2O and 21 is applied tofand operated bythe device.

Figure 25 is a partial sectional front view on line HH Fig. 27, oi" the mechanism provided for rendering the device autow matically inoperative when not used tor the aiiiXing of stamps upon envelopes or suitable articles.

Figure 26 is a partial side view of Figure 25.

Figure 27 is a partial top view vot Figure 25.

Figure 28 shows different operative posi tions ot the mechanism of Figure 25.

l Figure 29 is a partial front view ot the mechanism provided to facilitate the handling of the envelopes in connection with the operation ot the device. A portion of the supporting frame is shown cut away to more clearly show the construction. Q

Figure 29A is a partial top view of F igure 29.

y Figure 30 is a partial side view ot Figure 29.

Figure 31 is a partial top view of Figure 30.

Figure 32 shows a different operativeposition of the envelope clamping device.

Figure 33 shows the operative mechanism of the envelope clamping device in different operative positions.

Figure 34 shows the elements of Fig. 33 in a different operative position.

Referring to Figures 1j 2 and 3. 1 represents a casing for the device. 2 represents a hinged door provided with a lock and knob at 2A and 2B. 3 is a reservoir for supply the moistening device with water. 3A is a screw cap fitting into a threaded opening oi' the reservoir through which it is tilled. with water.v Cap 3A is `preferably provided with a tube 3B to prevent the formation of a partial vacuum inside the reservoir. 3C is a rubber tube connecting the reservoir with the moistening device to be described later. t represents a frame member upon which the mechanism ot the device is assembled.

In Figures 5, 6 and 7, 5 represents a. cy-

l lindrical element mounted for rotation upon the sleeve portion 6A of a member 6 (Figure 6). Cylindrical element 5 is providedwith pieces 5A, preferably of sheet' metal, which are formed wit-h teeth on their outside edges' as shown in Figure 6. rlhese pieces tit into the slots of the cylindrical element 5 and are secured in place by screws 5B. Thus the cylindrical member 5 forms a sprocket element, the teeth oiv pieces 5A fitting the perorations of the stamp band. At 7 Figure 5 is shown the position of a spring controlled plunger 7 the purpose of which is to connect members 5 and 6. The construction ci this plunger is best shown in Figure 6. A spring 7C, holds the plunger 7 by its flange 7B in aosition shown. The reaction of the spring (C is against ainut element 7 A which serves also as a bearing for the plunger 7. Portion 7D of plunger 7 fits into a hole in member 6 as shown, thereby connecting members 5 and 6. lf it is desired to rotate member o relative to member 6 it is only necessary to pull out plunger 7 and rot-ate it while meniber 6 is held firmly. The disc portion of member 6 is provided with pins 6C located equidistantly about its axis as shown in Figure 5. l The number ot' pins corresponds to the number of toothed pieces 5A.l Member 6 is mounted for free rotation upon a stud 8 which is held rigidly upon the trame el.. 10 is a sector member rotatably supported on screw stud 9, Figures 5 and 6. The arcuate portion of this sector is no inally in contact with two ot' the pins 6C of disc member 6 and therefore locks disc 6 against rotation,

If plunger 7 is in the locking position shown in Figure 67 sprocket member 5' will also be locked against rotation by sector 10. 11 is a plunger sliding in a tubular member 412. Member 12 is rigidly fastened to the casing 1 by nut 13 as shown in Figure el.. 1d is a bolt element by which different operating elements of the device are rigidly connected to plunger 11, Figures 6 and 12. il. slotted portion 10"- of sector 10 slidably lits between flanged washers that are rigidly clamped to plunger 11 by bolt 14, Figures 6 and 12. A spring controlled pawl. member 16 is pivotally mounted on sector 10 by shoulder stud 18,. rnother member 17 is mounted on the opposite side ot the sector by this same stud 18, Figure 6. Sector 10 is provided. with a slot at 10B, Figures 5, 9 and 10, which is of a width to slidably tit pins 6C. Pawl member 16 has a portion 16A coinciding.;` with one side of slot 10B. Member 17 has its lower edge coinciding with arc of sector 10 and its purpose is to yieldingly complete the arc opposite slot 10B. Member 17 is also provided with a stop portion 17A which contacts'with sector 10 through tension or' spring` 20, insuring the coincidence or the arc otimember 17 with that of sector 10. Pawl member 16 is likewise provided with a stop portion 16C which forms an inverted U, bridging portion of sector 10 as well as that of member 17 and its purpose is to limit the movement of the pawl member 16 relativeto sector and to limit lost motion of itself and of member 17 relative to sector 10. Figure 5 shows `relative*positions of sector 10, pins 6C and members 16 and 17.' Vhen plunger l1 is depressed, sector 10 is rotated about its axis att) und paWl 16 engages adjacent pin 6C, causing rotation of cylindrical sprocket 5. The re .ative positions of the cooperative parts when plungerfll ispartially depressed is shown in Figure 9. Here it" Willbe seen thatI as the pins 6C are rotated, the one engaged by paivl 1G is forced into t-he slot 10B of sector 10 against'the spring tension of the paWl and that of member 17. A further depression of the plunger will cause a further rotation of sprocket and the fdis-y engagement of pin 6C from slot 10B. Figure 10 slio'xvs rotation of the sprocket completed, the are of the sector 10 contacting with two successive pins 6C. llt will be seen that mem ber 17 is back to its `normal position While member 1G is held by pin 6C with its arcuate edge in coincidence ivith are Aof sector 1U. l/Vhen sector 10 is returned to its normal position, slot 10B is prevented from any possible interference with pins 6C by member 17 which completes the arc opposite slot 10B, so that when plunger 11 is returned toitsnoi mal position, the different `operative parts will 'assume the relative positions shown in Figure 5. Thus itwill be seen that a reciprocal motion imparted to the plunger' 11 will cause an intermittentrotary motion of the cylindrical sprocket 5 in one direction. Member 21, Figures 5, 6, 7 and 8 is a recessed piece bent to conform with surface of cylindrical sprocket 5, the recessed portions being opposite the teeth of pieces 5A. Member 21 is pivotally supported by shoulder screw 22, Figures 5 and 0 and is held against sprocket 5 by spring 23.` A catch paw-vl 2lis pivotally supported `on member 21 by a shoulder stud 25.` Shoulder bolt 8 is provided with a narrow` projection 8A with which catch pawl 24 engages and lis held in position by spring 26 as shown in Figures 5 and 6, thus securely holding members 21 in relation with sprocket. Member 21 is also provided with a narrou7 U shaped bent portion 21C Whichfis positioned opposite catch paivl 24; and its purpose is to frictionally hold pawl 24 in a disengaged position as shown in vdot-ted lines at 24A,Figure 5. Thus, if it is desired `to separate member 21 i from sprocket 5, disengage pawl 241- by grasping lip 24A, Fig. G, and forcing paivl into slotted portion 21C. A further pressure on lip 2li-A Will separatev member 21 from sprocket 5, against tensionof spring` 23. rlhe operation of the feeding `mechanism thus far described is as follows.

y Toapply the stamp band to the feeding mechanism, pull out plunger 7 to disengage `sprocket member 5 from member G and press stamp band lightly on sprocket to assistv in engaging the `perforation's `of the stamp.- band` by the teeth of the 'sprocket In the meantime the'sproclet is rotatedby the hand to roll the stamp band l etween the sprocket and the cooperating member 2 1. l `The stamp band is shown in position in Figl ure t. It Will be noticed from the foregoing op'erationthat in the positioning of the stamp band no mechanism other than the sprocket cylinder need be disturbed. To feed the stamps intern'iittently, plunger 11 is moved upand down as previously eX- plained.` v

The moistening device .in its simplesty form is shown in Figures and 16. It coiisists of a member 27, with a hole 27 A extending longitudinally through it. One side of member 27 is provided With a series ofsmall holes into which are slidingly fitted pins 28.

A rubber tube 29 lits tightly into lthe holer and is preferably provided 'with perforations 29" positionedbetween holes for pins The pins 28 are pointedat one endend `to the reservoir shown in Figures 2` and A member 54 is pivotally p supported upon frame 4 by stud 34C, F igsy, 7, 7A and 8, and a portion 34"* of this member is shown ina horizontal plane in 7 extending over the apertured portion of the moistenei, and is adapted to press upon pins` action of spring 23, Figsd 7 and 8,' Another member 35, Figs. 7, 7^, 8 and 8A, is pivotally supportedupon stamp guide 21 and a portion 35A of this number contactsl with a part of the under surface of and isheld in contact with it by light torsion spring 353. The stamp band 35 passes between these yielding members as shown in Fig. 7 and is fed through thein by sprocket 5.

Normally member 3e is rocked slightly vabout its pivot 34C and the stamp band is raised up and out of contact with the moistener. rlhis condition is shown in F 5.

m t L ihe lifting and lowering of the stamp band is controlled from a portion 37B of a member `37, cooperating Withlower surface 28 'through of 311A; Figures 5,6, 7 7A and 8. rllhe structure and operation of this member 37 will be described later in connection with its other functions. f Upon depression of plunger 11, member 34 is automatically re leased so "that the adhesive side of the stamp will be pressed upon the moistener.

(See

.Referring non7 torFigure 15, ihollowportion 27A of thelinoistener is'normally filled i se,

tions 29L to the pins 2S. IThe depression ot the rubber tubing would assume a orm similar to that shown in AFigure 1T. There is a slight clearance provided tor the pins 28 in memberI 2 so that 'the cylindrical surfaces oiu the pins torni capillary vessels with the cylindrical sui 'aces ot the holes containing them and therefore causing the Water in them to risc by capillary attraction and reach the adhesive side of the stamp band. '"lhe meisten `device is rendered active upon a slight Idepression ot plunger 11 and it remains in that state tor a con siderable period before the stamp Jreeding device is actuated., thus insuring the rea-ching the stamps leliore being Upon Viturther depression ot the plunrer il. the stamp tec f mechanism eeds c stamp, torivardavitl its adhesive side continuously `in Contact` `ith the inoistener and thus causing a ii n oi' Water to be drawn upon the adhesive side of the stamp. ln place ot a rubber tube, a rectangular piece ci sheet rubber may be bent up and allowed to expand in the cylindrical hole as shown in Figure 1'? ln Figure 16 the rubber tube acts as valve sealing the moistener normally Yagainst leakage and also as a springl 'for pins 2S. The purposeoli the pins 28 is to operate on the rubbery tube 29 and to prevent clogging of the moistener by any adhesive substance which might be deposited upon it from the stamps. rllhe pins can also be retained by a thin Wire lassing through yapertures in said pins 28 as shown in Figures i7 .and 19 and in that case the rubber tube acts only as a spring, not being` ellective for the prevention o leakage and there 'loro modified combination shown in Figure 19 is preterably used. 40 is acylindrical body. provided with a valve seat 40 normal y closed by spring actuated valve 41 Vwhich is provided on its loiver 'portion With an enlargement 41B which rests upon a rubber diaphragm 42. rl`his diaphragm 42 is clamped to the lower circular edge oil" valve body 40 by a nut member 40S, thus sealing it against leakage. ber 453 is mounted on the other side ot the diaphragm in nut 40S to cooperate with valve 41. A rubber tube 3C connects the valve device to the reservoir. rlhus when 43 is raised diaphragm 42 Will assume dotted position and valve 41 Will be lifted against stress of spring 44, thus separating the valve from valve seat at 40A. This Will permit the Water entering compartment 27A and when the device is in operation this compartment will be lled with water, but when the valve is inthe closed position the outsidefair pres- A sliding plunger inem-r sure Will prevent any leakage around pins 28. rilhus diaphragm 42 vprovides a Watertight liexible means through Which the valve is operated. The manner'in ivliicliplungei.' 43 is actuated shown vin `Figures lli, 12, 13 and 14. i lever 45 is pivotally supported Vupon a bracket 33 at 45A and a linlr 46 connects this lever -with the plunger 43. A support member 47 is rigidly ijastened to plunger 11 through bolt 14 and upon it is pivotcoiitinuqus iilm ot Water being supplied to the stamps. 49X' shows the extreme depressed position of ratchet lever 48, and shows the position it assumes upon the return stroke ot plunger 11 Where it yields against the stress el spring 50 upon roller 49 coming` n contact with lever 45'. llrom the foregoin it is seen that on the downward stroke ot' plunger li, the valve is opened and held in the open position during the iteeding of the stamp and closed a'lter the 'feeding is accomplished andretained in the closed'position during the return stroke of the plunger 11.

` The stamp is applied to the inoistener in the manner already described. Figure 18 illustrates another means 'lor operating the pins 28V which are provided with a groove 28S which cooperate with a pivotally mounted blade member 5l, Figures 18 and 2l. 'lliis'meinber is` pivotally supported at 51A and l@ and rocking of 51 will cause the lowering and raising of pins 28V.

Referring noiv to Figure 2O7 43N represente a plunger, a diaphragm, the purpose of which is similar to that described in connection with Figure i9. 52 is a piston member slidably fitting in valve body 40N and is pressed against shoulders 401 by spring 53. 52 is provided With seine holes as shoivn in Figure 22 and a valre stem 41N passes slidably through it. Valve discs 41B on stem 4iN cooperate with top surface ot' piston 52 so that when it is depressed it will seal the piston 52. 41K is another disc valve rigidly connected to valve stem 41N and is normally pressed against seat portion 40H by a. spring 40T thus closing compartment 40D. 3C is a rubber tube leading to the reservoir and the valve body 40N is secured to member 27V, (Figures 18 and 21) at 40M, Figure 20.' Disc 41K is provided With a projection 41L, Figure 21 which cooperates with a pin 'lwvhich is integral with member 5l, Figures 21 and 23. Pins 28V (Figure `ifisae'ee y y .115

18) are held in `their norma-l position by torsion spring 54, Figure 21. The opera-- tion ot the device is as follows: Normally water enters from the reservoir to compart` ment 46N through holes of piston52. When plunger 43N is depressed compartment 40D is connected with compartment 40N so vthat the water will `enter said compartment 40D.

After the `device is operated all `the comy partments willbe normally filled with water but the outside air pressure will pre` vent any leakage past the pins 28.r through the closing ot' the valve at 41K. Now, as plunger 43N is further depressed valve 41R will seal piston 52 and torce said piston downward while compartment 40D` is remainingopen. The effect ot the motion or' the piston as' described is to positively force the water `through compartmentll()D and in quantity proportional to its displacement. Thus the moistening of the stamps does not depend upongravity andcapillary attraction alone but the'supplyof water is positively controlled from the actuation of the device.

It will also be noticed that the pins 28V are actuated .independently oit` the stamps though the adhesive side of the stamps to be atxed is applied in the same manner as yin the case of Figure l5 and as previously described. This arrangementpossesses the advantageofpositive action. Figure 24 il-` lustrates thema-nner in whichthe meistening'system just described is applied to and operated by the device `and is analogousin operation with that of the mechanism provided for yFigure `19, illustrated in igures ll and 13 and as previously described.

Referring to Figures 1l, l2 and i3, 56 represents a rack `uipported on a rod 57 and. pivotally mounted. on a bracket 58 which is fastened to trame 4 and also on base plate 59 and 59A (Figure ll). Rod 57 is provided.

with a. pin`60 which cooperates with a lever 6l pivotally mounted `to a rbracket 62. 66 is a rectangular member slidinglytitting in ,an aperture provided on base 59 and is also guided by a bracket 64 and a stud 63A which is integral with 63. A spring65 orces member y63 upward and it is limit-ed in itsupward movement by a bracket 66 which is rigidly fastened to 63 and contacts with. under side ot' base 59. Member 66 is also provided with a stud 66A which fits into a slightly elongated slot `in lever` 61. A ratchet pawl V67 is pivotally supported upon a `seevc 68 which is rigidly connected to plunger ll through 'bolt l14, Figures ll and l2. A spring support '69 is Aalso rigidly held to .plunger ll through bolt 14 and a spring 70 yieldingly holds pawl` 67 :in vposition shown. The operation oftherecited mechanism is as follows. Themember 63 pr`ojectsslightly above surface of base 59 and is directly opposite stamp ailixing member'7l,

. 79A ot a lever`79.

Figure 4 which is fastened `to plungcr'sh'aft 1l and' which is directly opposite of the af-` fixed stamps.`

New, it plunger l1,` is depressed, ratchet pawl 67 will engage 'teeth otrackf56 and prevent the returnoiI plunger 11; 'If,`thr`ough stamp aitixing member 7l, suicient pressure `is exerted upon `member 63 `to depress `it against stress of spring 65, lever `6l will Abe actuated and through it rack 56 willbe turned ,awaytrom the plane ofpawl 6711s showii at 56Z, Figure l2. The low position `of pawl 67 is shown at 67Y, Figure 11 and when rack`56 isiturned to position 56Z,pawl 67 will be disengaged 'from rack56 and plunger vl1 will be freed and returned'toits initial position by spring 72, Figure 4. Thus it will be seen that plunger ll can bereturned to its normal lposition* only after memberr 63 is depressed a delinite amount, and since inthe process o'faiixingstamps this depression Ais transmitted'b'yr the 1pressure `exerted upon the stamp to the stamp aliiXing member 7l, 'it 'follows that stamps will be affixed upon `:an `envelope or other.

suitable article `with substantiallythe samepressure `regardless of the variations in thickness'of such envelope or article. Referring nowto Figures 25, 26 and 27, 75 represents a `member loosely `mounted vupon a sleeve 76, Figure l2, which is rigidly conpected to plimgerll by bolt 14. Abracket 17 spring 78 tends to pull member 75toward bracket 77. Member 7 5 is providedwith a cam slot Awhich cooperateswith a pin A weight 7 5B is fastened to member 75as shown and a bent portion 75C cooperates with `a bracket 'member/80 which is secured to trame 4. `Lever 7 9 pivotally supports the member 37 at 7 9B. `Member 37 is provided with a slot 37C vand is slidingly supported. by'a shoulder screw '8l relative/to the trame 4 and a light spring 32 pulls member37 downward. 37D is .a bent portion resting against underside of moist ening` member 27and a portion of base 59 is perforated opposite. bent portion 37D to allow this portion to descend below surface ci base rl"he operation ofthe recited structure is as follows. f

Normally the plunger `1l is heldin position by spring `72, Figures 4 and 6, and the parts just described are in their relative positions.` as shown in Figure 25. Nowwhen" the plunger ll is depressed, member 75 will descend with it being guided duri'ngthis movement by :pin 79A of lever 79whi'chalso descends in contact. with-it through action ofsprin'g S2 upon member 87. conditions bent portion 75C of member 75 will be broughtin contact `with Send 'of bracket 80 'as shownby the dotted position of`mem- 130 ber 75 at 7 5CX in Figure 25 and `the corre- 'is rigidly secured tothe 'support-47 which is also secured` to plunger' ll by bolt i4.` A

Under these aperture on the base 59, member 37D will be stopped by it when plunger 11 is actuated and lever 79 assumes position shown in Figure 28 and will remain in that position until l the return of the plunger 11 to its normal position.l N ow, if plunger 11 is further depressed member will be turned about the axis of sleeve 76 through the cam surface of kslot 75A cooperating with pin 79A and edge of `bent portion 7 5C will move along a line thus clearing stop bracket- 80. so that plunger 11 is unrestrained to complete the stroke. llVhen the slot 75A has disengaged from pin 7 9A it will beheld against side of bracket 77 by spring 78 asv shown in dotted lines in Figure 28. vWhen the plunger 11 is returned to its normal position by spring 7 2, Figures 4 Vand 6, cam slot 75A re-engages pin 79A and the several operative parts assume position shown in Figure 25. Thus normally when no envelope is applied to the device it is automatically rendered inoperative, but when, an envelope is positioned in the device for the aflixing of stamps, the device is automatically rendered operative. The purpose and function of the weight member 7 5B will now be described.

lf the plunger 11 should be rapidly operated, the inertia of members 37 and 79 would cause them to maintain their position'of rest momentarily while member 75 which is positively mounted upon plunger 11 would descend, thus cam slot 7 5A would be operated against pin 79A, the effect being the same as if an envelope or other obstruction were placed in path of portion 37D, ln other words, rapid operation of plunger 11 such as might be imparted to it by a blow upon the knob 15, Figure 4, will prevent the contacting of the locking members. In order to counteract the sluggish operation of members 79 and 37 due lto their inertia, weight 75B is provided on lever 75 which by its inertia induces a turning effort in the direction of arrow 88, Figure 28, when plunger 11 is rapidly operated. This turnf ing effort has a tendency to hold pin 79A in4 engagement with cam slot 5A and thus cause members 79 and 37 to move 1n unison with member 7 5 and thereby cause 7 5C and GO jplained in connection with Figure 25. Thus stop lever 8O to cooperate as previously eX- the ,inertia effect of members 79 and I87m opposed and neutralized by inertia effect of weight 7 5B resulting in` the mechanism functioning equally well under various conditions of speed.

Referring now to Figures 29, 29A, 29B, 3U, 31, 32, 33, and 34, 89 represents a clamp member for holding the envelope during the time .the aflixing of the stamp is performed. Member 89 is provided with two contact pieces, 89A preferably of rubber and is slidingly supported in a slot 90A of a member 90. 89B is a spring stud fastened to 89 and it projects through an extended aperture 90B of member 90 and a spring 91 yieldingly supports member 89 relative to member 90. The extended aperture permits the yielding of member 89 in any plane when forced in contact with the irregular surface of an envelope as shown in Figure 32. Member 90 is` pivotally supported on a lever 92 by a stud 92E. Lever 92 is mounted on the op posite side of frame 4 and an aperture is provided in frame 4 to permit stud 92E to pass through it and to allow for its movement. @n stud 92E another yoke-formed lever 93 is loosely mounted and one arm of t-hisflever is provided with a stoppin 93A cooperating with lever 92 and the other end 93B is adapted for receiving spring 95 which is supported by stud 96 and end of which overlaps member 90 at 90C and. is guided in contact with it by torsion spring 97 about stud 92E. A part of yoke member 93 forms a ratchet pawl 93D which cooperates with a pin 77B `on bracket 77 which is rigidly fastened to a member 47 and member 47 is rigidly connected to plunger 11 by bolt 14 as has already been explained; (Figures 25, 26 and 27.) A bent portion 92c is provided on lever 92 and projectsthrough an enlarged aperture in frame plate 4. A catch pawl member 98 is pivotally supported on frame 4 and another ratchet pawl 99 is pivotally supported on member 98 and is provided with a bent portion 99A which likewise cooperates with pin 7 7 B. A spring stud 99B on pawl 99 their normal positions against a stop pin* 101, Figure 29.

Operation of the recited mechanism is as follows. Normally, pawl member 98 holds member 92 by bent-portion 92C against tension of spring and the several cooperating parts in their rela-tive positions as shown in Figure 29. `When plunger 11 is depressed pin 77B will disengage pawl 98 from bent portion 92C through cooperation with bent portion 99A of pawl 98, Figure 33, and release clamping member 89 which will press upon an envelope 84 positioned upon base plate 59. Now ifthe pin 77 B is further depressed it will contact with ratchet pawl 93D and pass by it through yielding of spring 95, Figure 29. Upon the return of plunger 11 pin 77B (Figs. 33 and 34) engages pawl portion 93D and through it lifts lever 92 in normal position and into engagement with catch pawl 98. Upon further movement of pin 77B it comes in Contact with `under side of bent portion 99501 the ratchet member 99 which willi-yield against tension ol spring' 100, thus allowingpin '77B to pass without. `affecting catch pawl 98.

mechanism are r stored to their normal posi-` tions. 102and 103 are guidefinembersto aid` in positioning the envelope `relative tothe A member 104 is mounted `for 105 which is apparatus. rocking movement upon a shaft supported by lugs 106 and 10T.` `li/lembei" 1011 is also provided with three projectingportions 104A, 101B and 10-andthe base plate 59 and guide member 102 opposite these projections is cut out to permit the rocking oit member 101 into a positionilOly, shown in dotted linesin rltigure 29. The motion of 101 is imparted by a spring 108.` 109 is a lever pivo-tally mounted upon theback side of tramesupport land isI provided with a slot 109A which coperates with a pin 10F on an yarm 10H01 sectormember 10, Figures and 6. 1n-other end 109B -pivotally supports a ratchet member 110 which is held j 1 j I l 01102A as shown at 102C.

in its position by spring 111 against stop pin 110A. bracket 112 is fastened upon traine 11, a top view o-twhich is shown in Figure 29Aand on it is pivotally Vmounted a catch pawl 113. One part. `oi'' this pawlnornially j holds member 104 in the position shown in AFigure 29by cooperating with portion 104C.

Onfpawl 113 isinounted a rato] et member 11twhich is provided with apin v11sA and through which it cooperates with portion 92R of lever 92. inotioi'iot 113 and it serves also as a spring stud 'for holding i ratchet member 1141: in` position by a spring' 115 which connectswit-h another spring stud 11-1B and which likewise limits motion ot`-11-1 relative to 113. The operation oit' the described mechanism is as follows. 'y j Arm portion 92K oit lever 92 assumes the position 92KX when member 92 is'released by operation ot pin '77B as previously de#v scribed. rlhis will position 92K on the other' side of pin 114A ot ratchet lmember 11sL which yields through ctionloi'4 spring115" and without disturbing member 113; However when member 92K` is restored it will trip catch pawl 113 through actuation of ratchet member 1141 as shown in `dotted lines` in Figure 29. This will result in the spring 108 pullingmember 10-1 in position shown in dotted lines at 104y, Figure 29. Thus it will be seen that it an envelope 58 is positioned as shown andthe plunger'11op-` erated7 the envelope is clamped in position by meinber89 at the `earlyppartof the downwardstroke and member 1011 released simultaneously 4with the lifting ofthe clamp S9 :member 110 position 1101'.

A stop pin 112B limits 1 N, j

' desired to anni a series ol stamps. y A memupon the early part ot the return stroke, resulting in 'a quick `impulse beingv imparted ot member st/.whichwill cause the ejection of the envelope `from the device after` the allixing oi' a stamp. The restoration 0110-1 is accomplished as follows. Vhen the plunger is depressed pin 10F is' moved into position 10Fy by sector 10, which will causemember 109 to assume position 109y and ratchet Now the movement of sector 10, Figures 5 and 10, is so timed that'it will start to return lever 109 some time `after 104; been released, so that/the relative positions olii' ratchet member and 10% will be as shown at 1105' and 1042K 'New when members 109and 110 are .restored to theirnorinal positions ratchet 110 will engage side ot 104C opposite it and bring it in engagementwithcatch pawl 113.y

Referring now to Figures 1, 2 and 3,. 120` represents a tray resting on `the top oit' the baseandis secured tothe casing by ya, bracket 121 `and to the lug 122 by a screw 128.` The outside edge ot tray is channel formed at `1`20Afinto which slidingly fits a portion 102A` ot envelope guide member 102. A slotted piece 102B is fastened to under side A lniurled shoulder screw 125 is supported by the casing and serves' to secure guide 102 in any desired position relative tothe casing. 102D is a bent reinforcement to support the guide portionsinside the device. Gutside edge 102E isfinade high to act as a support tor the storing [of a nun'iber oiienvelopes as shown at E toaid inthe rapid handling ot the work. A `scale is marked uponlthe door 2 at2D as an aid `tor positioning guide 102 when it is bei` 126 is mounted upon shoulder screw" .stud 127 which is 'threaded intolug 122 at .to the envelope by" portions 10stA and 104i3` A bent por member 126 can `be clamped against lug i 122 by shouldered portion ot 127 at 127A; 127 isalso provided with a lnurled head 127C for conveniently securing 120 in *any desired position about. shoulder screw 127. The .purpose of member 126 the ejected envelopes" inany desiredV manner. 1n Figure ltliey envelopes areejected in the direction of the arrow and when an envelope strikes member 126 it willbe deliiected to fall in the direction 84A. Thusj if the device is positioned near the edge or /a rtable or stand the envelopes can be `suc-i` cessively and automatically ejected into ay container positioned underneath' the tabley and in" the path of the deflected envelopesm li it notdesired to deiect the envelopes, meinber`126'is secured in a position 126x.

is to deect .A A into lug 1e,l and it is ici plunger A. thumbl screw i128, Figure the purpose ot rendering the means inoperative, if so desired, by adjusting it opposite portion 1 iF oit lever 10e as shown in Figure 29, thereby preventing the actuation of said member s by'spring 10S and therefore preren'ting the ejection ot the envelopes. lt is necessaij-,J to render member 101i inoperative when envelope guide member 102 isshiited relative to the scale at 2D, tor then the envelope could not` properly be acted upon by the eject-ing member 1041-.

rlhe principal operative features ol the deviceare suini iarized as follows:

in envelope placed manually upon the base 59 and 'with tivo of its adjacent edges contacting with guide members 103 and 102, Figures 1, 3 and 29. Upon depressing i"iguie il, clamp member 89 is d envelope in its position durtlie downward stroke et plunger 11. Upon Jfurther depression ot' the plunger l1 the adhesive side or the stamp is brought release l in Contact with the moistening device by member Seid, Figures 5, and 8, and the moistening device is rendered active as previously described in connection with Figures 11, 12, 13, 1li, 15, 16 audit). NeXt,.the stamp is ted .forward by the feeding mech-- anism, the moistening ot theadhesive side of the stamp Ytaliing place simultaneously. Upon the completion of the feeding, the stamp will appear in a `position as shown in dotted lines at 36m, Figure t, and upon further movement the stamp will be sheared olii by edge K1A of adiiing member 71, F igure el, cooperating with-edge 27H ot meistening member 27, Figure 16. Following the shearing the stamp is pressed upon the envelope and;simultaneously member 63 is depressed thus tieeing'plunger 11, to be returned by spring 72, Yitigure e'-, @n the return stroke of the plunger, clamp 89 is lifted and restored and immediately` after the ejectingr mechanism released and the envelope ejected in the manner explained in conection with Figures 29, 29A, 3G, 31, 32, and if no envelope is placed in the device or ii not properly positioned relative tothe guide members 102, and 103, the ldevice is automatically locked against operation, thus preventing the accidental delivering, mutilation and wasting ot stamps, as has been explained in connection with Figures 25, 26, 2l', and Q8.

Having described my invention, what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is;

1. lira stamp aiiixing apparatus, in combination with stamp aiiixing means an elongated member, provided with a narrow com: partment and adapted to receive moistening liquid from a rese nvoir; a plurality or aper tures connecting an outside surface of said 30 is iitted iasaeee,

member with said compartment, means tor holding the stamps away from said surface `and provision for automatically'biinging the adhesive side of the stamps in contact with said surface, when the apparatus is operated.' i 2. In a stamp attixing apparatus in combination with stamp aiiixing means, an elongatedmember provided with a narrow compartment and connected to a reservoir; a plurality of apertures connecting an outside surface with said compartment, said surface being adapted to contact with the adhesive side of the stamps; means for sealing said apertures against leakage, means controlled from the stamps to permit moisture to pass through said apertures and means for feedingA said stamps in contact with said apertures. Y v

dln a stamp afxing apparatus, in combination withstamp atiixing means, anelongated member provided with a cylindrical compartment and connected to a reservoir, a plurality et apertures passing through said compartment, an elastic tubular member expanding against the side of said cylindrical compartment and sealingsaid apertures against leakage, means for contacting the adhesive side of the stamps with said apertures, means for` operating upon said elastic member through said apertures and means for feeding said stamps in contact with said apertures.

4;. ln a stamp atli ing apparatus, in combination with stamp atldning means, an elongated member, provided with a cylindrical compartment and connected to a reservoir, a plurality oil apertures passing through said compartment, an elastic rubber tube expanding against the side ot said cylindrical.'

compartment and normally sealing said apertures, pins slidingly litting in said apertures and yieldingly supported by said rubber tube, said pins being adapted to depress said rubber tube to permit the 1nois ture to pass through said apertures, means for pressing the adhesive side of the stamps upon said pins lto operate on said rubber tube, and means for feeding the stamps in contact with said pins.

5. ln a stampatlixing apparatus, in combination with stamp aii'iXing means, an elongated member provided witli a narrow compartment, capillary openings connecting with said compartment, means for feeding stamps in contact with said openings, a valve device attached to said compartment for controlling the passage oi moisture from a reservoir to said opening and means for actuating said valve `by the operation or' the apparatus.

6. ln a stamp aiiixing apparatus, in combination with stamp aiicixing means, an elongated memberprovided with a compartment, a lplurality oic apertures connecting lill Withl said compartment, a pin yieldingly supported and projecting from each of said apertures, .means Vfor depressing said pins bythe adhesive side of the stamps, means for feeding,` the stamps in contact withv said apertures and pins, a valve deviceattaclied to said compartment and connected tor a reservoir, means normally closing said valve to prevent leakage past said aperturesn` means for opening said valve by operation of said device, and simultaneously with the bringingF o't the adhesive side of the stamps in contact with said apertures and means for closingr said valve at a predetermined point in the operation of the rapparatus. o

7. In a stamp atlixing apparatus, in combination with stamp alixing means, an elon-` gated member provided with a compartment, capillary openings connecting With said compartment, means for feeding the adhesive side of the stamps in contact with said openings, a valve device attached to said compartment and connected with a reservoir, means ttor,controlling said `valvedevice by the operation ot the apparatus, said valve device embodying means for torcing a predetermined `quantity of moisture through said apertures for the moistening of the stamps.

8. In a stamp atlixing apparatus, in combination with stamp ailixing' means, an elonlgated member provided with a narrow coin-- partment, a plurality ot apertures connectinp; With said compartment, a valve device attached to` said compartment and controlling' passage of moisture from a reservoir to said apertures, a pin projecting from each ot said apertures and adapted to be lowered and raised by the actuation ot' said valve device1 meansr YFor feeding the adhesive side ot stamps in contact with ksaid apertures, said stamp feeding means and said valve device being actuated in unison by the operation oit the apparatus.

9. In a `stamp atxing apparatus in com-` bination with a `stamp aiaing means, a

moistener, a reservoir, a valve for-controlling the moistureibetiveen the inoistener and the reservoir, a flexible diaphragm connect' ed to said valve device, and means for actuT i ating said valve through said diaphragm.

l0. In a stamp aftixing appara-tus in combination With stamp atiixing means, a mois tener, a reservoir, a valve device adapted to deliver a definite amount of moisture to said inoistener, a flexible diaphragm for sealing the valve, and means for `actuating said valve device througlisaid diaphragm.` 'n

11. In a stampat'tixing apparatus, stamp aitixing means, a moistener, meanslor holding the stamps away from the moistener,

` means for automatically bringing?,` the stamps in vcontact with the moisteneravhen' the device is operated; a reservoir, avalve device 13. In a stamp aflixing apparatus, anl attiXing member for ,pressing kthe moistened stamps upon the envelopes ortsuitable articles, means for retaining said member ina depressed position, and means `for releasing said member `by application of a predetermined pressure upon the atlixed stamp' by the ailiXing member.r i f i 14. In a stamp aiiixing device, an aiiixing member for pressing the moistened stamps upon the envelopes or suitable articles, means for retainingksaid member in a de! pressed position, means for releasing said memberj a yielding kmember responsive to the pressure applied to the a'iiixed stamps, and provision `for controlling' said releasing means by said yielding member, y i

15. In a stamp aiXing device, a stamp afixing member, `means for` actuatinasaid `member, a rack and paivl combination adapted toretain said aiiixing member in a depressed position, spring controlled means `"responsiveto the pressure applied to the atfixed stamp andadapted to release said aftixing member.

16, In a stamp atlixing device a stamp `aftiring member, means for" actuatingsaid member, a rack and paivl combination adapted to retain said aflixingmeni'ber in a depressed position, a spring controlled yielding member positioned opposite said aliixing member, and mounted `upon theenvelope support,` said last recited member being adapted to cooperate `with said rack and pavvl combination, `to release said aiHXing member upon the application ot apredetermined pressure by Ysaid alixing member.

` 17. In a stamp aiiixing device, in combination with stamp aflixingmeans, means for operatingsaid device, means for restoring said device to its initial operative condition, and provisionfor controlling therestoration of said device by the pressureapplied to the aiaed stamp:

ioo

iio

18d. In a stamp atlixing device,"' means forv actuating` the device, means for preventing the restoration yof said device to its initial operative condition beforethe completion ot its functions and provision for controlling said last recited means ,by the pressure@- plied to the aiixed stamp. y,

.19. 'Ina device adapted to` aiiixstamps on vse envelopes or other articles, means for operating` said device,means controlled from the operation or said device for rendering said device inoperative, said last recited means embodying mechanism responsive to the varying operative speeds or insuring the proper functioning of the operative parts at said varying,` operative speeds, substantially described.

20. In a device adapted to affix stamps on envelopes or other articles, means for operating" the said device, means controlled by the actuation oi" said device to render it inoperative. Said last recited means embodying,` mechanism compensating for the inertia of the operative parts, under varying,` conditions ofspeed. l

Q21. In a device adapted to ailix stamps on envelopes` or other suitable articles, means for operating said device, locking means controlled by the operation of said device to loclrsaid device against operation," said locking device comprisinga mechanism responsive to the various operative-speeds and influencing said locking device to function properly under various conditions of speed.

In a device adapted to aiiiX stamps on envelopes or other suitable articles, means for operating` said device, means responsive to the actuation of said. device Jtor rendering it inoperative when. notl applied to the afiixing of stamps upon envelopes or articles, said last recited means embodying' mechanism resnonsive to the varying;` operative speeds and influencing,` the different parts to function properly under said varying; operative speeds, substantially as described.

23. Ina device adapted to aiiiX stamps upon envelopes or other suitable articles, means for operating' said device, means responsiveto the actuation of said device and cooperatingr With said envelope or article and dapted for locking said device against operation When not applied to the afiixing of stamps upon the envelopes or other articles, said last recited means embodying mechanism to counteract the inertia of the operative parts Jfor compelling the proper functioning of said locking means under varyinafoperative speeds.

24;. In a device vadapted to affix stamps on envelopes o-rother suitable articles,means for operatinq said device, means Jfor positioning enve opes or other suitable articles relative to the device, means responsive to the actuationl of the device and controlled 'from the position oi' said envelope or article, and adapted to render said device inoperative when the envelope or article is not properly positioned relative to the device, said last recited means embodying mechanism responsive to the varying opi erative speeds and compensating' orthe inertia effect of the several 'operative parte.

25. In a stamp aiiixing device means 'for aflixing stamps upon envelopes or other articles, means for actuating; the device, a member adapted to contact with the envelope or article when the device is actuated, mechanism controlled trom said member and adapted to render the device inoperative' when. there is no envelope. or other article in the path ofll said member and provision for compensating for the inertia effect of thevarious parts ot said mechanism. A

26. In a stamp afiixing' device, `:guide means for positioning envelopes or other articles relative to the device, spring; actuated member adapted to contact with an envelope or other article, mechanism cooperating With said member, and adapted to loclr said device against operation when an envelope or article is not properly positioned relative to said guides, and provision -for compensating for the inertia effects of the parts ci' said mechanism.

27. In a stamp afiixing device, in combination with stamp aiiixins means. mechanism adapted to loclr said device against operation when not applied to the aiiixingz of stamps upon envelopes or other articles, said mechanism beingV also adapted to ren-- der the device operative when used for atixing stamps upon an envelope or other article, and provision for compensating; tor the inertia effects of said mechanism.

28. In a stamp aiiizring; device in combination vvith stamp atiixing' means, mechanism for rendering: vthe device normally' inoperative, said mechanism bein; also adapted to render the device operative when applied to affix stamps uponan envelope or other article and provision tor compensatinc; for the inertia ot the operating parts ot said mechanism. y

29. In combination with a stampL aiiixingy; device. snide means tor positioning` an envelope .or otherarticle relative to the device, means ttor manually operating said device, a spring` actuated member responsive to the actuation ot the device for clamping the envelope orarticle in its position during the afiixing functions,` and provision whereby the device is rendered automatically inoperative vvhen the envelope'or article is not properly positionedrelative to said guide means. y

30. In a stamp aftiiiing' device, means for aliixing stamps upon envelopes or other articles, means for automatically clampingl the envelope or article in its position. means for` releasingr said envelope or article after the completion oi the aliixinrr functions. means'for ejecting the envelope or article., and provision for renderingf the device automaticallyl inoperative when not applied to the afiixing of stamps upon an envelope or lother article.

its initial condition before thecompletion of its functions.

32. In a stamp aiiixing device' in combi-` nation With stamp aiiiXing means, means for automatically ejecting. the envelope, means for manually operating they device and provision for preventing the restoration of said device to its initial operative condition `before the completion of its functions, said provision being controlled by the pressure applied to the affixed stamps.

S3. In a stamp affixing' device,.means for aiiixing stampsupon'envelopesor other ar-M ticles, means for manually operating saidv` operating the device by `said plunger, `a'

device, means for ejecting the` envelope or article, means for deflecting the ejected en-` velope or article and provision' for preventing the restoration of said device `to its inr itial operative condition before the completion of its functions, said provision being controlled bythe pressure applied to the affixed stamps. y i

34. In a stamp ailixing device, means for aifixing stamps upon envelopes orpother articles, means for manually `operating` said device, a member normallyV held out of contact of the envelope, means for releasing said member by the actuation ofthe device for holding said envelope in its position. dury ing; the aifixing functions, meansfor ejecting the envelope ,or article and provision for preventing the restoration of said `device to its initial operative' condition before tlie completion ofits functions. y

85. ln a stamp aiiiXing device, meansffor afiixing stamps upon envelopes or other articles, means for manually operating said device, means for preventing the restoration of the device to its initial operative condi tion before the completion `of it functions and provision for rendering thedevice autoi, matically inoperative When not applied to` the aiiixing of stamps upon said envelope or'other article.

i 36. ln combination with a stampaiiiiiing device, stamp affixing means, a `member adapted to contact ivith an envelope or article, a spring tending to force said member in contact with the envelope,V means for holding said member away from the envelope, means for automatically .releasing said member, and means for restoring said member after the completion of the aliiXing functions. i v l 3'?. n combination with a; stamp ailixing the plunger.

device, stamp aflixing means, means for posiof the ejecting'device by said mechanism. .i

3S. ln a stamp ailixing device, means for aiixing'stamps upon envelopes or other articles, a reciprocating' plunger, means for operating the device said plunger, a ineinberadapted ltoliold the envelope or article in its position, a spring tending,` to force said member in `contact ivith'the envelope,` means for holding said member away from the envelope, and means 'for automatically releasingjsaid member by tlie actuationk of 39. ln a stamp aflixing device,means 'for aflixing stamps upon. an envelope or other article,r a reciprocating' plunger, means for vativei.-

4l. ln a Stamp aiiiirinn` device, means for positioning envelopes relative to the device, v

,meansfor' operating saidy device, means for automatically ejecting' said envelopesg` and adjustable means for lockingv `said last re# cited meansagainst operation.

42. ln a stamp afxinp,- device, means for positioningr an envelope relativeto the device, means for operating said device,means,

responsive to operation of said device `for autoniaticallyr ejecting, the renvelope and manually adjustable means for rendering said lastrecitedam'eans operative or inopera tive `at the Will of the operator.

43. In a stamp aliining device, adjustable guides for positioningan envelope or suit-- able .article relative to the device and adapt-i ed for the afiiXing of one or of a plurality 'of stamps upon' said envelope orarticle, stamp;

aiiixinp` ineans,'automatie means for ejecting the envelope and provision` whereby the ejecting device may be rendered inoperative When it is desired to afliX a plurality of stamps upon the envelope or article.

In a` stamp affixing device, means for positioning an envelope relative to the device, means for operating- 'said device, means 'for automaticallyy ejecting the envelope and cooperating adjustable means for dei'lecting said envelopes in a desired direction, said last recited means being adapted to be rendered effective or ineffective at the will et the operator. i' y a5. ln a stamp ailiiiing apparatus, in combination with Stamp ailixing means, a inoistener consisting ol a `conip.irtiiient having plurality of apertures a se-y ries of pins projecting through said aper` tures; a reservoir, connection between the n'ioistener and the reservoir; means responsive to the actuation of the apparatus and cooperating with said moistener for causing it to supply moisture for the ai'lixing of stamps upon an envelope or other article.

46. In a stamp aliiring apparatus in coinbinatioii with stamp aliiiingmeans, a moistener consistingof a compartment having a plurality of apertures, pins yieldingly supported and projecting through said apertures, cooperating means 'for depressing Said pins by the yactuation of the apparatus and. for su Jl inoy moisture `throuc'h said a er- F be i b tures, forztheaflixing ofstamps upon an en velope or other article. l j

a?. In a stamp atlixing apparatus in combination With stamp aihxing means, a moistener consisting of a compartment having'a series of apertures, pins projecting` through said apertures, means for automatically depressing saidpins when the apparatus is actuated and means for applying moisture through said apertures for the aliixing vot' stamps upon an envelope or other article.

48. In a stamp alixing apparatus in combinationivitli stamp aflixing means, a moistener consisting` oli a compartment provided with a series of apertures, pins projecting through said apertures, means for automati-y cally actuating said pins With the operation of the apparatus; a reservoir tor supplying` moisture to the moistener, a valve device disposed between the moistener and the reser` voir, and provision for automatically actuatsaidvalve device for controlling the supply of moisture tosaid moistener. Y

29. ln a stamp aiiixing apparatus in coinbinatien with stamp atlixing means, a ineinber adapted to Contact with an envelope for i said envelopev in its position during the ai'lixing functions; a detent lnormally holding saidA member. awayy from the envel. pe, means for automatically actuatingA said detest J@c relaasx said member and ineanslfor restoring said member to its initial position.

50, in; a stamp afm-:ing apparatus in combination with stamp aflizzingmeans, a membei' for holding the envelope in `its position diiring the `allifii gupunctions; said meniber being' normally held outof the path of the envelope, a spring tending to force the member into .contact With the' envelope,

`means lor releasing. said member and provi,-

sion whereby said lmember may yield in any plane in rcontact With the envelope.

ln a stamp atliiing apparatus in com-- binatio'n with stamp aiiixingmeans, a memher tor holding an envelope in its position dui" the alii functions, means,r for moving said member avvay'from `theenvelope; a spring actuated lejecting device normally held' out ot the path of the `envelope and provision' for releasing the ejecting device to operate upon the `envelope simultaneously with the movement of said member. Y ln a stamp aflixing apparatus in combina'tion with stamp ailixing means, av spring actuated member :adapted to eject theA envelope, a detent normally holding said member out of the `path `of the envelope, means for actuating 'said-- detent lto release-` said member; a cooperating lever, and provision for restoring said member to its normal pol sition through the voperajtion-of said lever. A

viuciioLAs MiLLiinj 

